Of Course

The mom who has 4 kids and no husband. The homeless man asking you for money. The co worker who wears the same clothes to work all week. The kid at the desk next to you who always brings the same tired lunch to school. We all have occasion to cross paths with these people. Truth is, we likely go out of our way to avoid them whenever possible. If not in practice, then our thoughts certainly run for the hills. We find ways to explain their existence. We find cause for blame in their own choices and actions.

By no means do I wish to overlook the fact that many people make bad decisions. Decisions that bring with them consequences for themselves, those around them, and our culture at large. Laziness is not a trait or pattern of behavior to be admired. Dishonesty is not a key component to greatness in life. Deficits in character need to be addressed by anyone seeking to better their own existence. Such work must start inwardly. It must begin with ones self taking stock of where they have come from, where they are. Then, be decisive about where he/she wishes to be.

All of us must remain aware that the world we live in is not perfect. Neither are the people traveling with us.
Often times, evil is perpetrated upon both strangers and acquaintances alike.The worst part of this evil? It is not always easily recognized. I am reminded of Eddie's story, from back home. A man on the street, he is indiscernible from any other person without a place to call home. He is seemingly alone and most often poorly kept by even the most forgiving standards. A conversation with him reveals why he is living this way. A few years ago, he found out his wife was seeing another person. This revelation had a profound effect on him and he was made to leave his home, his wife, and young child behind to this new found interest.
Sometime after that, the daughter he left behind was was murdered by the person who replaced him. Her head beat in on the radiator in her room. Now, I ask you, what is the correct way to deal with this? How is he supposed to cope? What support group should he attend to make it all better? What would you do if life visited these circumstances down on you?

An extreme example, yes. But one that reveals a horrible sliding scale.
Which is worse? How Eddie lives now, or what became of the family he left behind? Small emotional jabs from those we seek love from. Financial betrayals from employers. Promises broken from a wide range of people or organizations who promised help and brought only pain. All of these are evils that breakdown the human spirit. Attacks that are not easily overcome. Damage that far surpasses what we ever built to withstand to begin with.

I am not seeking to make excuses for anyone. I am suggesting that there are always reasons. Reasons we may or may not understand. Reasons we may or may not like.
Reasons nonetheless.